HC Deb 25 July 1934 vol 292 c1779
11. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the draft legislation of the Kenya Government instituting a moratorium on agricultural mortgages; and whether he 'has considered, as an alternative, the resumption by the Crown of the unused portions of estates alienated to Europeans?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have not yet received copies of the draft Ordinance as published, but the general object is to provide that the holder of a mortgage on agricultural property shall not foreclose or take action for recovery without first giving due notice to the mortgagor, and that the mortgagor upon receipt of such notice may apply to the Courts for relief. This relief may take the form of an order to delay all proceedings for a period not exceeding 12 months subject to such conditions as the Court may consider proper. With regard to the second part of the question, as the aim of the proposed legislation is to assist the owners of mortgaged property, I do not see how the resumption of unused lands would further the object in view.